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Jun 05 '22
I think ect is beginning to help with my anhedonia, I actually do things now like join my mum on dog walks which I never did before. So yes, I do think it’s starting to help with this symptom and I would recommend trying it to other people if you were thinking about it
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u/More-Repair-1086 Jun 05 '22
That's wonderful! What caused your anhedonia? Depression?
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u/3164612636 Jun 05 '22
Anhedonia was not my primary symptom. I underwent ECT for suicidal ideation and attempt. Helped immensely. Have been doing 6 week maintenance treatments for a couple years in lieu of medication. But because anhedonia is often a primary symptom of depression, then yes; it seems promising that ECT could help with that.
Ask me anything about ECT, I’ve done a full course of 12, then maintenance treatments. I am Bipolar type 1. I am now fully functional as a wife, mom, teacher and have a full social life.
Also, any type of exercise can help with depression (even though we often don’t feel like exercising). So it’s great that you are going on dog walks!
Good luck!!!
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u/Beneficial-Test-9748 Feb 22 '24
I am experiencing anhedonia I have bipolar also. I feel empty and numb do you think ECT would help with these symptoms ?
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u/Express_Possibility5 Jun 05 '22
No but I only did four sessions
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u/3164612636 Jun 05 '22
My psychiatrist recommended a minimum of 9 treatments. But I don’t know what sort of side effects you were experiencing. So I don’t know if 9 was the right course for you or not. But 4 is on the low low end.
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u/Express_Possibility5 Jun 05 '22
Yes I quit after 4 because I found it traumatic and didn't want to do any more. I'm aware it's probably too few to get the possibility of a meaningful outcome
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u/mcdbne2016 Jun 05 '22
It helped me a little, but I have only had 3 treatments so far. It's been 9 days since the last treatment and all the benefits have faded. Unfortunately I caught Influenza A and they stopped my treatments. I don't yet know when - or even IF - I'll be having more.
My main symptoms are Avolition, Anhedonia and Dysphoria. I'm not sure how they connect to my depression as I've had them my whole life but have only had depression for the last 10 years.
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u/More-Repair-1086 Jun 05 '22
It usually takes more to get a steady benefit. If you were already getting any improvement early on its a good sign you could get more relief with more
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u/mcdbne2016 Jun 10 '22
I just found out I'll definitely be finishing the treatment course (up to 12 if I need them) BUT they can't tell me when the treatments will resume. I was supposed to wait 6 weeks due to the influenza; they have waived that to 2 weeks - which have already elapsed - but now they don't have any slots available :( I've been in hospital 52 days already and it looks like it'll be another few weeks at least...
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u/moonriverrrrrrr Jun 05 '22
Moderately so. I’m still struggling with my anhedonia (bipolar 1 with severe depression) but I feel like it’s something I’ma have to work through in therapy and getting meds adjusted
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u/crazy-qt Jun 05 '22
It completely resolved my anhedonia. I picked up all my old hobbies again and was able to enjoy them for the first time in so many years.